Overview & Reviews

Back in the 1990s, the Nissan Maxima was ideally positioned as a bridge between midsize family sedans and out-of-reach European sport sedans thanks to its powerful V6, upscale interior and catchy "Four-Door Sports Car" marketing tagline. These traits, along with Nissan's continual improvements, ensured the Maxima loyal followers and strong name recognition.

Since that time, other automakers have targeted the Maxima's niche and brought out excellent competing models. For a little while, the Maxima struggled to keep up. The current-generation Maxima, however, is again a compelling choice if you're looking for a sedan that provides both performance and luxury.

Current Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima is a midsize sedan that packs a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. Sending the engine's power to the front wheels is a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

There are two available trim levels: S and SV. The base-model S is pretty well equipped, with a standard features list that includes amenities like a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control and a full complement of safety features. SV models pump up the luxury with features like xenon headlights, leather upholstery and a touchscreen interface with a USB/iPod interface.

A pair of packages available on the SV allows buyers to equip their Maxima with either a wealth of luxury/convenience items (Premium) or sportier performance/appearance items (Sport). To either of these, the Technology package adds a number of high-tech features. This all-or-nothing packaging system means the Maxima can get expensive very quickly.

Despite this, our editors have praised the current Nissan Maxima for its powerful V6 engine and well-tuned suspension. It also offers a high-quality interior and many premium features that make it feel like an entry-level luxury car. However, it's priced like an entry-level luxury car, too, which may be a turn-off to those who'd appreciate a luxury badge to match.

Used Nissan Maximas
The current, seventh-generation Maxima debuted for the 2009 model year. Other than slight styling tweaks and variations in standard and optional equipment, it's effectively been unchanged since.

The previous, sixth-generation model spanned 2004-'08. This Maxima was longer, wider and more powerful than earlier models, though it struggled to stand out against the competition.

Two trim levels were offered during this generation: SE and SL. With a slightly stiffer suspension, the SE was the sportier of the two. Standard features included 18-inch wheels, an eight-speaker CD stereo, keyless entry and one-touch up-down front windows. The more luxury-oriented SL offered 17-inch wheels, softer tuning, wood interior trim, heated leather seats, HID headlights and a 320-watt Bose audio system.

Changes were minimal throughout this model's run, so interested shoppers needn't fixate on a particular year. There was a transmission change, however. Maximas from 2007 and 2008 featured a CVT, while earlier models came with either a five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Earlier Nissan CVTs were disappointing, but the Maxima's CVT worked quite well. The V6 offered by the more recent models in this generation boasts 255 hp, while older models list a higher rating (265). This is the result of a new power rating procedure enacted in 2007. Actual engine performance was unchanged.

In our reviews, we determined that the sixth-generation Nissan Maxima offered better power, comfort and interior space compared to other V6-powered, front-drive midsize sedans. This generation Maxima's driving dynamics didn't impress like some other competitors, though. Fit and finish and materials quality were also hit and miss. If you're shopping for a used car in this age range, the Maxima might be worth a look. But we'd also recommend the Acura TSX and VW Passat.

Fifth-generation Nissan Maximas were available from 2000-'03. Key improvements over earlier models were a smooth-revving 222 hp from the standard 3.0-liter V6, a boost in rear-seat legroom and an available 200-watt Bose audio system. At the time, our editors were still impressed with the car's power and interior room but were increasingly skeptical of its value. Further upgrades in 2002 included a bump in displacement (3.5 liters) and power (255 hp) to help keep the Maxima at least marginally ahead of Nissan's V6-powered Altima sedan.

Cars built for the 1995-'99 model years constitute the fourth generation. For this Maxima, Nissan added length, improved the quality of the interior and introduced a new 190-hp all-aluminum V6 for all trim levels, which was arguably the gold standard in its day for responsiveness and refinement. Its handling wasn't quite as responsive as the previous version and its styling wasn't very well received, but it was still very popular given its desirable combination of utility, performance and luxury.

The third-generation car was built for the 1989-'94 model years. Nissan was enjoying a product renaissance at the time, and this was the first Nissan Maxima with true sporting credentials. Unlike other Japanese midsize sedans, the Maxima came with a V6 only and an optional manual transmission. Early versions had a 160-hp V6; a 190-hp engine became available in 1992 for the Maxima SE. A second-gen Maxima was available from 1985-'88.

The Maxima is one of Nissan's most historic vehicles in the U.S. market. Known originally as the Datsun 810, it officially became Maxima in 1982 -- also the year that the Datsun brand began its metamorphosis into Nissan.

User Reviews:

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  I the new Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By lee608 - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I own two 1989 Maximas. My daughter in college drives one, my professional protester niece drives around the country in the other. Both are still running great. Until this redesign though, the Maxima lost some its charm / coolness, but the Maxima is back. we bought a Black SL, all options, including the traditional sunroof. We have not had ANY problems, none. I love the way the car drives, handles, feels, the Bose is fantastic. Little league games have the boys coming by saying "cool car" and this is before they hop into their moms Lexus or Mercedes. I traded an Audi A6 for the Maxima and I am a very happy owner.

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  The Best Sedan to Date - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Devinn Armstrong - May 9 - 10:21 am

  They should know this car does not compare to any other sedan on the road.

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  Could have been a 10! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Jack Franchek - May 8 - 4:33 pm

  Love everything about it. Plenty of pickup from any situation, everyone admires looks, needs better suspension or clearance. If loaded with 4 pax it will bottom out over driveway. Wouldnt stop me from buying it again, just add better shocks.

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  2002 Nissan Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By zawada - May 7 - 2:49 am

  Excellent vehicle, i would highly recommend it. It was very reliable and had an amazing engine. Perform regular maintenance and this car will not let you down. Only draw back was the poor MPG and recommendation for premium fuel

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  my 97 maxima - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Robert T - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This car has been great. I changed a few things to make my max "mine". I put on 17 inch wheels, and lowered her 1 inch. I also added a front strut tower brace. Fun car and nice looks.

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  Car is a gem - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By BrianV - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Car has 100K miles and nothing has been changed except tires and brakes once. I have a 5SPD. I out of choice changed the fuel filter at 60K and the Plugs at 65K, but there was no noticeable difference after changing them. My car is fully loaded and has been incredible. I ended up supercharing it at 70K which shortly thereafter required a performance clutch. All in all the car is pretty solid, only a couple little squeaks. My g/f has a 95 camry V6 and the Maxima outshines in EVERY WAY.

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  Love This Car - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Love It - April 27 - 4:20 pm

  I love everything about my Maxima. Ive owned it for almost a year and still love driving it as much as I did when I first bought it. I get so many compliments on the style and ride.

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  rocketship - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ron tucci - April 27 - 10:00 am

  A fun car to drive, been driving hi performance sports car for years. 1967 427 vet, 68 shelby kr500, 1975 pantera gts, era 427 ac cobra when it came to buyinf a family car I wanted something different. I found it in the 04 maxima. I am looking forward to driving this car for alot of years. Nissian did its home work. I am constantly being stopped on the road by people who love the look of this car.

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  Great value - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Above - April 27 - 10:00 am

  After looking at the G35, Passat, Acura, etc. we settled on the 2004 Maxima. Got what we wanted for 30K out the door. So far very happy with performance, ride, general quality. Our first Nissan, hope it lives up to past relibility.

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  Awesome! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By idok - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a number of performance, performance/luxury, and luxury cars over the years, none of them could touch my 2004 Maxima SE. This car is really something special. I like it more and more with each trip.